Won 1-3
Scorers: Barton, Colclough, Miller
With thanks to team sponsor M55
Mens Masters O55 Cup Semi Final :
Stockton on Tees 1 Canterbury O55s 3
With a 600‑mile round trip for their Men’s O55s Cup semi‑final, meticulous planning was required by their coach David Bunyan. Les duely delivered, resulting in some players arriving in Stockton a full five hours before Saturdays 5pm push‑back, while others were stranded at King’s Cross with every northbound train cancelled.
Somehow, all players made it to the pre‑match team talk in a positive mindset — and, more importantly, sober — having bravely ignored the temptation of their hotel boasting an adjoining Wetherspoons serving ale at just £2 a pint.
On the pitch, Canterbury took a little time to settle but went into the break 1–0 up thanks to Nick Barton converting a slickly worked short corner. The Canterbury midfield of Goodenough, Hollingworth, Laslett (S) and Colclough rotated superbly, causing Stockton problems throughout, and the lead was doubled when Colclough finished smartly from open play.
Stockton’s then scored from their only short corner — where was the postman or Trigger for that matter? However, Canterbury quickly restored their two‑goal cushion through Miller, effectively bringing the game under control.
It was an excellent victory after a long and testing day. Post‑match, the team were then finally able to enjoy Stockton’s Saturday night hospitality, becoming almost as unsteady on their feet as James Cox had been during the game.
Canterbury now progress to the final, where they will face Reading on Monday, 4 May, at the Lee Valley Hockey Centre. Hope to see you there!
